Hey 
So I need to pick my senior classes but am in a dilemma because I don’t know if I should take AP Physics II… .
AP Classes Already Taken:
-AP Biology
-AP Physics II
-AP Environmental
-AP Human Geography
I plan to take these classes for sure next year:
-AP Calculus BC
-AP Literature
-AP Chemistry
-Spanish IV (honors)
-Fine art survey(elective-honors)
AP Physics I this year was a tough class, the teacher is great but many people fail and drop his class because of the difficulty. I am close to making a B as a final average for this class. The thing is I want to be a doctor and so I’ll need to take physics later on…should I take AP Physics II next year along with the classes I am taking?
Would 8 AP classes (not counting AP Physics II) be enough to get into an Ivy league?
8 AP Classes is enough. It’s up to you personally. Physics is important don’t get me wrong, but AP Physics II won’t be your make-or-break point if you want to be a doctor. Good to see you’ve already taken AP Bio and AP Chem. Since you’ll be doing AP Calc BC AND AP Chem next year, there is no reason to tack on another AP science unless you can handle it or you absolutely want to.
It’s a personal choice but don’t feel forced into it.
If you have a strong affinity for a particular school (U Penn) I would look at what would be most beneficial if you attend that school. Check which AP credits are accepted for your intended major.
For instance my son chose not to take AP Lit because he had a high ACT English/Reading scores and a 5 on AP Lang. AP Lit wasn’t going to get him anything at his “probable” schools. So he took 2 easier, one semester Language Arts courses (Adv Speech and senior themes) so he could take APs that would benefit him in college.
You can also approach it from the standpoint of what you want to avoid. For instance, I know some non-math types who took AP Calc AB, so they wouldn’t have to take it in college.
Can you take ap physics c? If your in calc bc physics c will get you more credit since it is calc based. I recently was in the same situation deciding on physics but i realized physics c would be more helpful. This also depends on what you plan on majoring in
There is no minimum threshold of AP courses required for admission to any Ivy League school.
Top schools generally say they like to see 4 to 8 Aps if your school offers them (but there’s no penalty if your school only offers 3.) There’s a law of diminishing returns after that. Essentially, it doesn’t matter much if at all, the difference is made on other factors.
So, you’re good. In addition, you took all three sciences (Bio, chem, and Physics) AND took them at the AP level to boot, which is the best you can do. In college, you’ll start with Bio 101, Chem 101, and Physics 101 (as a premed that’s what you ought to do) and Physics2 will change NOTHING whatsoever with either admissions or your first year. Make sure you have one of each core classes if possible (English, Math, Science, Social Science, Foreign Language) and do take a class you find fun for your senior year!
Thank You for your input guys! I just finished deciding on my senior classes and have chosen not to take AP physics II and actually chose an art elective along with the other AP classes I am taking.